Ken Lupton is the Conservative Candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner in Cleveland.

The problems in the Cleveland Police Force over recent years, culminating in the dismissal of the Chief Constable and the ongoing investigations into the former Chair of the Police Authority, clearly identify the need for a change in governance and this new position of Police and Crime Commissioner will be your opportunity to elect a strong individual who will provide leadership and accountability.

I believe that this is not a party political position but one that requires an individual with experience of managing and governing large diverse public sector organisations and the ability to create and work in partnerships. The role of PCC requires the commissioner to be beyond reproach and independent of influence with the highest of public and professional standards. I know that I can fulfil these requirements.

I come from a hard working Teesside family with strong connections with the four boroughs making up the Force area and am passionate about the region having lived and worked in the area all of my life. If elected in November I will make the residents priorities, in relation to fighting crime and anti- social behaviour, the Force’s priorities. I will be committed to working with the Chief Constable and our partners to improve the well being and safety of our residents and the communities in which they live and work and provide a cost efficient service that values the work of serving officers and staff.

Go to www.kenlupton.co.uk to find out more about me and my manifesto.